[Article 333] Colonic Hydrotherapy

What is Colonic Hydrotherapy ?

Colonic Hydrotherapy or Irrigation is a practice that dates from as far back as 1500 B.C.
It is a procedure that gently cleanses the inside of the colon by using warm, filtered purified water. It helps eliminate stored faecal matter, gas, mucous and toxic substances from the colon and helps re-tone the bowel. It is an ideal therapy if undergoing a detoxification programme and has the added benefits of increased energy, mental clarity, clear skin and reduced headaches.

Problems associated with the bowel are one of the most common daily worries of the individual. There are numerous gastro-intestinal conditions that can dominate people’s lives. Some of the problems that occur in everyday living are :

Colonic Hydrotherapy can improve these problems. The colon is a major part of the excretory system, responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, protecting us from infection and disease. It contains a flora of billions of microscopic organisms, which can be composed of friendly and unfriendly bacteria, unfortunately with today’s life style of processed foods, which tend to be high in sugars, the balance is often offset. Hydrotherapy can assist by re-balancing the system allowing friendly bacteria to flourish. Probiotic supplements can be taken to assist the regeneration of a healthy digestive system.

Colonic hydrotherapy is a totally clean and hygienic procedure with no odour or embarrassment. It is not painful, however, the nature of the procedure may feel slightly uncomfortable to begin with, giving the feeling of an imminent bowel movement. it is nevertheless, often viewed as a pleasant experience, leaving the person feeling relaxed or ‘chilled’ afterwards. The modern internationally used apparatus, which is used at this clinic, contains valves to prevent waste water from returning to the water system or the client. In addition all equipment used is disposable to avoid any cross contamination.

A diagram of the colon

During a Colonic Hydrotherapy Treatment Mary will explain the whole process and show you the equipment prior to the treatment. A small speculum is carefully inserted using a lubricant. Gently, a little warm water will enter the colon which will then be released out. This process is repeated continually in order to create a peristaltic movement, which is the muscular action needed to make gastrointestinal tract move the contents along.
This process encourages faecal matter to flush out of the colon after a while. To assist with this removal, with the client’s permission , Mary will gently provide abdominal massage to loosen and ease the waste. The length of time this procedure takes can vary. In general it should take approx 45 mins, however each treatment is tailored to the individuals needs, therefore Mary may work slowly if necessary or take a little longer to work with the person achieving the required outcome in that one session.

After your colonic

The treatment should leave the client feeling clean, empty, with a good relaxed feeling. Some people describe this as ‘chilled ‘or even a euphoric sensation. It can vary with each individual, some may feel a little tired while others feel the opposite and feel re-energised immediately ready ‘ to run a marathon.’
There can be a significant weight loss from the removal of the old waste, however, this can be masked by the initial fluid retention that will occur during the process.Water is absorbed through the bowel wall during the procedure which will be passed out as urine over the following hour or two.
The colonic will have cleared your system of old waste, bad bacteria, toxins, the old mucous lining , any yeast build up and any good bacteria. Therefore it is important to reestablish your system with good bacteria straightaway ,otherwise the colon’s immune system will be at a low ebb for the next few days. Mary will give you some probiotic supplements to cover this period. It is beneficial to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to flush out any toxins absorbed into the system, to enable the body to be functioning 100% within the next couple of days. It may take several days before you pass a motion. Generally the bowels should start working in regular pattern, and the lack of bloating and flatulence will be noticeable, also indigestion discomfort or acid reflux can be lessened or removed. Your skin should feel fresher and radiant and mental and physical alertness improved.
How long should it last?The effects of you colonic should last for approximately 6-8 weeks. It can be longer if a good diet and exercise is maintained. This of course depends on the individual and their reason for having the treatment. Subsequent sessions after that time will reinforce the effects. Ideally the body would benefit from a colonic every ‘season’ ( 3 months) however, every 6 months is advisable. At Harmony we do not consider it is generally necessary to have several treatments within a short time as this will not allow the bowel flora to recover and for a natural bowel movement to develop. Mary will discuss this with you as each person’s problems varies considerably.

The procedure is undertaken by a medical professional, who will check any problems and your medication prior to the treatment. As the colonic is done very gently and Mary works with each client encouraging them to give as much interaction as possible. An impacted bowel of hard faeces is much more dangerous than the gentle effect of the warm water being introduced into the colon.

A single session should clear your system, and you should feel the immediate benefit from it. We also offer a course of 4 treatments which can be discussed and arranged at a time to suit the individual. The initial appointment will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours and the client has the constant attention of the therapist at all times.

It is recommended to avoid alcohol, wheat products, and processed or highly spiced foods for the next 24 hrs. Otherwise, you can eat healthily within your normal diet, in order to establish normal bowel movements again.